Adapting to change and transitions

Transitions to higher education, whether they are between different programs or cycles, can generate many changes in terms of time and task organization, autonomy, adjustment to teaching methods, work-study balance, and so on. For international students, or those who have to migrate from one region to another to pursue their studies, the transition challenges are intensified by the fact that they have to leave their home environment to settle in other environments and rebuild their bearings. All these challenges, which are examples of changes requiring adaptation, can be an additional stress that can cause difficulties in adapting during studies.

Which actions can be taken to help students make the transition from a program or cycle to another?

• Offer workshops or activities that contribute to the development of the student community’s social and communication skills.
• Enable and facilitate the creation of student groups based on certain characteristics. (e.g., engineering students).
• Provide opportunities to break isolation and develop a sense of belonging to their community.
• Offer activities to welcome new students.

References

Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur (2021) Plan d’action sur la santé mentale étudiante en enseignement supérieur 2021-2026

Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS). The Post-Secondary Student Mental Health: Guide to a Systemic Approach

CAPRES (2020). Transitions interordres et intercycles en enseignement supérieur

Marcotte, D. et al. (2020) A pilot study of a preventive program for depressive and anxious symptoms during the postsecondary transition